Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
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Join us this Saturday for our Winter Wonderland Potluck Party!
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The Fellowship & Fun Committee is delighted to sponsor our second annual Winter Wonderland Party!
**This Saturday, December 13 at 5:00pm**
BRING an appetizer, charcuterie board, or desserts to share, plus your own preferred beverages. The FFC will supply punch, mulled wine, and water.
ENJOY seasonal music, games, and a winter backdrop for a fun photo opportunity.
WEAR something blue, silver or white (optional).
JOIN the White Elephant Gift Exchange by bringing in a small wrapped item, new or re-gift, $20 value or less.
RSVP by clicking the button below. Let us know you’ll be joining us! Include your name, the number of people in your group, what you’ll be bringing, and if you need childcare.
Click HERE to RSVP (mailto:frangu302@gmail.com)
Note that the button above is an email link. If you are reading this on your phone and are unable to access it, try the following:
* power down the phone and restart
* close all browser tabs
* clear cache
We look forward to celebrating food, fellowship, and fun with you!
** Sunday Worship Service Information
December 14, 2025
10:30 am
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This week’s service invites us into Hanukkah not as spectators of another tradition, but as Unitarian Universalists committed to learning, honoring, and deepening our relationship with Judaism.
Through the lens of Eight Gifts of Hanukkah—human dignity, ritual, play, home and family, money, women as spiritual leaders, faith, and food—Rev. Christe Lunsford will guide us as we explore stories both familiar and rarely told, including the courage of Jewish women whose resistance shaped the meaning of the holiday.
We will reflect on what it means to engage Jewish tradition as a pluralist faith:
How do we honor without appropriating?
How do we move beyond casual curiosity toward real commitment?
And what does our own history—from the Sharp family’s rescue efforts during WWII to our present-day solidarity—ask of us now?
Music for this service will be offered by Joanna McCoskey Wiltshire. Joanna, based in Wilmington, Delaware, is a clarinetist, teacher, and conductor. She teaches at the University of Delaware and the Music School of Delaware, and has performed widely, collaborating with various symphonies and orchestras. With a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from UNC Greensboro, her dissertation focuses on clarinet pedagogy. Joanna champions new music, commissioning works from contemporary composers, and has served as Delaware State Chair for the International Clarinet Association.
Connect with Us In-Person
* Service begins at 10:30 am
* Children’s RE programming is available for ages 4 and up
* Child Care available (infant/toddler, ages birth to 3)
Connect with Us Virtually
Here’s how to get the Zoom link for livestreaming the service:
* Click the link below: ‘Sunday Livestream’ (bookmark it on your preferred device for quick and easy access on Sunday morning); OR
* Get the link by accessing the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) )
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Meeting ID: 978 0642 7419
** In Recognition
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Appreciation Message for the Finance Committee Members
On behalf of our congregation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Finance Committee members for their exemplary service and steadfast commitment to the financial stewardship of our Society. Their diligence in preparing and overseeing budgets, safeguarding resources, and ensuring transparency reflects wisdom and integrity. We greatly appreciate the countless hours they devote and the expertise they share.
Adam Kegley, CPA, has been a member of the Committee for 15 years and has served as chair since 2015. He strongly believes in the mission of Mill Creek and his goal is to ensure that it continues well into the future. He oversees all financial activities and is a liaison between the Finance Committee and the Board. Adam says, “We have one of the liveliest meetings at church!”
Lauren Rickard has served as the bookkeeper for 17 years and before that she held the position of Treasurer for 3 years. She reviews and approves financial transactions, reconciles statements, and prepares monthly reports. Lauri’s observation is, “By being involved in Finance Committee, I get to see an overall picture of good works that are ongoing and have a better appreciation of the complexities of running the Society.”
David Bonner has served as a member of the Finance Committee for about 20 years. He started working with financial statements and reports as far back as 2003. David’s vision is to help create and maintain financial stability for the church and navigate external market trends to protect our assets.
Ann Draper has served on the Finance Committee for 5 years. Her work experience in finance at the University of Delaware has made her a valuable member of the financial team. She is involved in budgeting, analysis, and financial problem solving. Ann takes her fiduciary responsibilities very seriously while safeguarding our assets.
The work and true dedication of these members has enabled Mill Creek to meet our financial obligations and to remain a sound and stable organization for years. Thank you!
** Faith Exploration Kids in Action
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During Rev. Christe’s Bodhi Day service on Sunday, December 7, the kids were happy to participate in decorating the Bodhi tree.
They were busy back in the classroom as well, guided by our Faith Exploration Leader, Margaret Borror.
Volunteers Needed!
With the increased attendance in the Faith Exploration classroom on Sunday mornings, (while very encouraging), comes the very real need for volunteers.
Help is needed on Sunday mornings:
* supervising play in the nursery (no diapering required!)
* engaging with the kids and helping out with simple projects in the classroom
Please see Margaret with your interest, or email dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org) .
Thank you for considering your involvement in this important ministry.
Volunteerism: Giving time, spreading love.
** Come to Newark’s Community Menorah Lighting
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** Holiday Food Drive Continues
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The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Ministry of Caring (https://www.ministryofcaring.org/) in Wilmington. Since 1977, this organization has been living their mission to serve the poor of our local community with dignity, respect, and love.
Everyone is invited to participate by donating the following items:
* boxed stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, dry cereal, pancake mix, rice, pasta, gravy mix
* canned vegetables, soup, fruit & cranberry sauce, pie filling, sweet potatoes, meats & tuna
* jarred/bottled peanut butter, jelly, pancake syrup, spaghetti sauce
Look for the collection bin in the gathering space.
Donations are accepted now through Sunday, December 21.
Thank you for your support!
** A Reminder: How to Avoid Email Phishing Scams!
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With the holiday season upon us, phishing scams are on the increase. The most common indicator of a phishing attempt is an unusual or mismatched sender address – when the display name (the sender’s name you see) doesn’t match the actual email address. This was the case with a recent round of emails purporting to come from Rev. Christe. Please keep the following things in mind…
Emails from Rev. Christe will NEVER:
* Ask for money
* Request the purchase of gift cards
* Be restrictive in asking that you limit contact to email only (i.e. asks for no phone calls)
* Ask for a ‘favor’
* Be ambiguous or ask for ‘assistance’
* Ask for help with an unclear ‘special project’
* Be vague or secretive in nature
* Ask for anything to be ‘handled discreetly’
* Ask for the church directory
* Ask you to purchase ANYTHING
Please note that all of Rev. Christe’s emails concerning church-related matters will come from revchriste@gmail.com. Furthermore, any requests from Rev. Christe asking for resources will be made IN PERSON – and NEVER by email.
Should you receive an email message purporting to come from Rev. Christe or any staff member and you are unsure about it – CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE TO VERIFY THE MESSAGE IS LEGITIMATE. DO NOT REPLY or click on any links!
** Poinsettia Pre-Order Program Canceled
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Due to lack of interest, we will not be offering poinsettias for purchase.
** Yoga and Meditation
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Join Margaret for a gentle yoga practice to relax and renew. We’ll explore asanas (held postures) and kriya (flowing through postures) using breath as our guide. We will end with mindfulness meditation practice.
When: Fridays, December 12, & 19 (no 26), 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Where: Church Sanctuary
Bring: Yoga mat, a small firm pillow, water
Requirement: Must be able to get down to and up from the floor
Registration: Required! Space is limited to 6 participants – click the button below if you have questions or to register.
Click HERE to register or with questions (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net)
** Office Closure
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The church office will be closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2, and will reopen on Monday, January 5. Please plan accordingly.
** Winter Solstice Celebration
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See or contact Regina (mailto:regina139@msn.com) with questions.
** Book Discussion Begins in January
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Join us as we explore four powerful books that shed light on racism in America and how we can work toward achieving equity and justice. Together, these books (see below for the list) reveal how racism shapes our society through denial, injustice, economic harm, and backlash, and invite us to imagine and work toward a more just and equitable future as we uphold our Unitarian Universalist values. Tracey Crook will facilitate these book discussions. The discussions will start in January 2026. We will meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 2 pm in the conference room. Sessions will last approximately 60-90 minutes.
January 28
Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm by Robin DiAngelo
February 25
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
March 25
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
April 29
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson
Sign up HERE to participate on one or more discussions. (mailto:tacrook@swbell.net)
** Church Cancelation Procedures & Notification Methods
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Board policy leaves the decision to cancel church service with the minster and the board president. We always endeavor to make such decisions in a timely fashion.
If the decision to cancel is made we will: send out an email to all congregants (if possible and time allows), and post notice on Facebook (both the public and private UUSMC pages).
We are also linked with the local SnoWatch system. SnoWatch reports are broadcast on 1150 AM WDEL and 93.7 FM WSTW and are available online at wdel.com (https://www.wdel.com/features/wdel-stormwatch/) and wstw.com (https://www.wstw.com/wstw-stormwatch/) . These links will also be available on the church website, uusmc.org.
So, particularly now through March, if the weather calls for any kind of dangerous precipitation, please check your inbox and/or the above media or call the church before heading out. We want everyone to be safe this winter!
** Current Share Our Plate Recipient
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We regularly donate a half of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. For the months of November & December we are supporting:
YWCA Delaware
The YWCA is proud to be one of the oldest and largest organizations supporting women in the United States, providing services for women and their families in our community.
This organization is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This is done through:
* Community housing program which provides supportive services in a safe and stable environment for unhoused individuals with children and two-parent families. These services teach life skills and assist families in becoming gainfully employed, permanently housed, and completely self-sufficient.
* Client economic development through counseling, education and training in personal finance management, homeownership, work readiness, and self-employment.
* College and career preparation and diversity and leadership workshops for at-risk youth, gives students an opportunity for an accomplished future. The program challenges youth to become independent thinkers, advocate for their own success, and build self-esteem, social competence, and employability skills.
* Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) provides comprehensive, free and confidential rape crisis services to sexual assault survivors and domestic violence survivors aged 12 and older and their non-offending family members, friends, and partners.
Learn more about YWCA Delaware HERE (https://www.ywcade.org/)
Support this organization with your online donation HERE. Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund. Thank you! (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/Give)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, December 21; January 4 & 18
(every 2 weeks)
12:00 pm, Classroom 4
D&D is a role-playing game about storytelling in worlds of swords and sorcery. Each player creates an adventurer (also called a character) and teams up with other adventurers (played by friends). Working together, the group might explore a dark dungeon, a ruined city, a haunted castle, a lost temple deep in a jungle, or a lava-filled cavern beneath a mysterious mountain. The adventurers can solve puzzles, talk with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover fabulous magic items and other treasure. No registration required – just drop in. All are welcome to join the group in classroom 4. Occurs every 2 weeks on Sundays.
Realm is our church management software program. We use it exclusively for accounting, pledge data, membership, registration events, and more. Use the button below to access your Realm profile to make sure we have your most recent contact information, and make pledge payments and contributions.
Access your Realm profile HERE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/SignIn)
Fun fact: you can use Realm to set up recurring online monthly pledge payments using a credit card or your checking or savings account!
Mill Creek Staff
Rev. Christe Lunsford, Minister
Sundays, when preaching: 9am – 3pm
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 4pm
Thursday by appointment only, click HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ08wOXSmX5fNN_vySxfpLP9VL2QqSZF5spIx5_9rxZm3e25LNywCGk4WoIlyFMvdn84osyy8XZl)
Or email minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday-Thursday 9 am to 2 pm
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Margaret Borror, Faith Exploration Teacher
Sundays, and by appointment
dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org)
Connect with the UUA, Delmarva Cluster, and Central East Region
** UU World’s 2025 inSpirit Bookstore Holiday Gift Guide
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UU World is invites you to browse their second annual inSpirit Bookstore Holiday Gift Guide.
Featuring great new books from Beacon Press and Skinner House, as well as delightful UU merch, hand-picked with love and mindfulness for all the special people on your list.
Browse the Gift Guide HERE (https://www.uuworld.org/articles/2025-inspirit-bookstore-gift-guide?_gl=1*48mloq*_ga*MjA1ODA4Mzk0MC4xNzYzMDU5ODE2*_ga_CN7F7RET4F*czE3NjQ4NzUxNjIkbzExJGcwJHQxNzY0ODc1MTYyJGo2MCRsMCRoMA..)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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2025 in Review
The 1000+ Unitarian Universalist congregations in North America are grouped into 5 regions: Pacific Western, MidAmerica, Southern, Central East, and New England. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (UUSMC) is part of the Central East Region. To learn more about what’s happening in our region, click the button below.
News in the Central East Region – click HERE (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/news)
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